SIH’s Think On These Things: Mark 9:41-50 (3)

Mark 9:41-50 (KJV)  For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.  And whosoever shall offend one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

To begin our devotional for this morning, let’s look at verse 41.  This verse is a part of a two verse section of our text that describes for us two evidences of genuine salvation…

In vs 41 – we find evidence of a person who is the recipient of God’s gracious salvation.
In vs 42 – we find evidence of a person who has never been saved by God’s grace.

When we look at verse 41 – Please notice what this verse is teaching us….

1. “because ye belong to Christ”. A person who has had a genuine salvation experience will recognize that Christ owns them…  He owns us because He physically created us  (Roms 9:20-21) and He purchased us on the cross (1 Cor 6:19-20).

2.  “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink “ Based upon His ownership a genuine believer will then willingly seek to help others who are in need. This help will involve self-sacrifice on the part of the Christian, as he gives of himself to meet the needs of others.

Keep in mind, this help can be in the form of physical or spiritual help.  Not only is Christ teaching us that we should meet the physical needs of others by giving them physical water to quench their thirst; but also the Bible makes it clear that water can represent the truth of His Word that can bring salvation to those who see their need. (John 4:5-15)

3.  “in my name”  - A truly saved individual will desire for his Lord to be glorified in this act of self-sacrifice.  He will give credit and honor to Christ, as his Redeemer and his Enabler, as he helps this needy individual.

4.  “verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward” – the Christian who submits to Christ, and glorifies Him through the helping others in need, will be greatly blessed.  That blessing involves the receipt of eternal rewards that cannot be corrupted nor taken from them. (Matt 6:19-21)  It is these same rewards that will enable the true saint of God to glorify Him throughout eternity by laying these rewards back at His feet. (Rev 4:10-11)

As we look to our lives to recognize proofs of a God-given salvation we need to ask ourselves these questions.  By God’s grace we will be able to answer all of them with an unhesitating “YES”!

1. Do we acknowledge, joyfully, that we are a possession of Christ and therefore, responsible to allow Him to use us any way He desires?
2.  Are we willing to give of ourselves for others in need?  Are we willing to give of both our physical possessions and our spiritual riches to meet their needs and glorify our God?
3.  When we serve the Lord, do we make sure that we give him the credit for our service?  When we are “patted on the back” do we redirect that praise to Him ?  Do we remind those around us it is only because of Him that we are able to accomplish the task at hand?
4.  Do we allow His promises of future rewards motivate, strengthen and inspire us as we grow weary in our service for Him?  Do we highly value His rewards realizing we will use them to glorify Him throughout eternity?

By God’s grace, may He allow us to recognize all of these proofs of salvation as we examine our service to Him.

May the Lord bless us as we “Think On These Things”.

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